upted the girl, knowing full well
what Edward was about to say. "My father and I were accused of treason to
the queen when Anthony Babington conspired against her life. I escaped
from the Tower in company with Master Devereaux. Do not, I beseech you,
say me nay when I plead for place with you. I would fain prove that I am
a true and loyal subject of Her Majesty."

"And thou shalt be given the opportunity, lad. And thou, young sir," to
Walter Mildemay, "art thou escaped from the Tower also?"

"Nay, sir; I am but accessory to their flight," replied the young man.

"The saints preserve us!" ejaculated his lordship piously. "Now Heaven
send the Dons soon else I shall have such a storm about mine ears as
never wind did raise."

At this moment an old sailor burst into the midst of the group.

"My lord, my lord!" cried the weather-beaten old salt to the lord high
admiral, "they're coming. I saw 'em off the Lizard last night; they're
coming full sail, hundreds of 'em a darkening the waters!"

A cheer rose from the lips of the men; a spirit of excitement stirred
every heart. Nay; not every breast, for Sir Francis Drake, the vice
admiral, said coolly to his chief as he hurled the bowl along the smooth,
worn planks:

"There will be time enough to finish the game, and then we'll go out and
give the Dons a thrashing."

And now the beacon lights flashed the news from hilltop to hilltop, and
on to London, and thence northward to the Scottish borders, and westward
throughout Wales until every village and town of every shire in England
thrilled with the tidings. Forgetful of religious dissensions, of feud,
and of private wrong, all Englishmen arose as one man to repel the
invading foe.

Amidst all the confusion incident to the announcement of the old seaman,
Devereaux drew Francis aside and whispered entreatingly:

"Francis, I implore thee to remain here. 'Tis not seemly that thou
shouldst board ship. There will be fighting, and----"

"And thou wouldst have all the glory, Edward Devereaux," cried the girl
unjust as she often was when indignant. "Dost thou think that I fear?
What hath life to yield that would equal the sweetness of striking one
blow for England? Think you an English girl cannot fight as well as an
English lad?"

"Nay, nay, Francis; but for my sake----"

"For thy sake?" echoed the girl in surprise. "Why should I stay for thy
sake? Come! we lose time."

CHAPTER XXIX

A BRITOMARTE OF THE ARMADA